Txt spk could improve children's literacy

Research has found that sending text messages could improve children's literacy.

A study carried out by researchers at Coventry University suggests that using text message language could also contribute to reading development.

The researchers looked at a group of 55 girls and 33 boys aged between 10 and 12 years old. Each child was given 10 scenarios and asked to write out each one using text speak.

An example scenario stated:“You’ve just seen your friend riding in his or her Dad’s brand new car and it’s brilliant. You’d love to have a ride in it because it's a really sporty, fast one and you love cars. Your friend’s Dad is pretty good natured and very proud of his car.”

Researchers looked at the text messages and split them into categories, noting any contractions, acronyms, symbols and non-conventional spellings. They then compared the use of these text messaging tricks to each child’s reading ability.

The results showed that "use of textisms is not only positively associated with word reading ability, but it may be contributing to reading development".

Pre-teens have been the fastest growing market for mobile phone companies. In its Media Literacy Audit last year, regulator Ofcom found that half of British eight to 11 year olds owned a mobile phone.